The Hill's 2011 50 Wealthiest in Congress

McCaul’s wealth exploded in 2010, making him the richest member of Congress by tens of millions of dollars.

McCaul reported a minimum net worth of $73.8 million in 2009. The huge climb in his fortune can be partly attributed to several assets — mostly family trusts and companies — that McCaul estimated were worth a minimum of $50 million each. Furthermore, “certain assets owned by spouse were acquired via a gift from spouse’s parents,” according to McCaul’s 2010 financial disclosure report, although it’s unclear which assets were gifts from the congressman’s in-laws.

Most of the four-term House Republican’s wealth comes from his relatives: father-in-law Lowry Mays founded one of the country’s most profitable radio broadcasting companies, Clear Channel Communications. All of the lawmaker’s assets are either attributed to his spouse, Linda, or a dependent child, according to his 2010 financial disclosure form.

Linda McCaul also has an interest in Laguna Water Company, a water distribution company, and a real estate partnership, both based in San Antonio, Texas, and both worth at least $100,000.

McCaul reported no liabilities for 2010.

—Kevin Bogardus

---